Apparatus for transporting a container

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for transporting a container, the apparatus includes a base, a retaining section, and a brace. The base has a first geometric shape in a first plane to support the container, where the container may be a vase of flowers, a paint can, catering supplies, etc. The retaining section has a second geometric shape in a second plane to retain the container on the base. The brace mechanically couples the base to the retaining section.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates generally to mechanical support structures andmore particularly to mechanical support structures for use intransporting contains.

2. Description of Related Art

As is known, a multitude of items are transported from location toanother during the normal course of business. The change of locationsmay be from one area of a building to another, a delivery from acommercial building to a customer, across the country, etc. The itemsmay range from organic items such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, etc.to inorganic items such as electronic equipment, hardware, tools, etc.

From a financial standpoint, the transportation of items must be donereliably (e.g., the items should not get damaged in transit) andefficiently (e.g., the loading and unloading of the items from thetransporting device is easy, safe, and quick and the amount of itemsthat can be transported is maximized). For example, if the items beingtransported are flowers, which usually are contained in a glass vase, orsome other fragile material, they should be securely head in thetransporting device (e.g., a delivery van) such that they can be safelydelivered. Currently, most flower delivery vans use cardboard boxes, orsome other type of box, to hold the vases of flowers. If the van is notdriven with the utmost care, the boxes will shift in the van. If theshifting is sudden, the vases may break. Further, the use of boxes isnot an optimal storage device for the vases of flowers, thus the van isnot optimally loaded, which requires additional trips to reload thetruck. Such inefficiencies are costly in a highly competitivemarketplace.

Therefore, a need exists for an apparatus for efficient and reliabletransportation of items such as, but not limited to, flowers, cateringitems, painting supplies, and any type of container.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus for transporting a container of the present inventionsubstantially meets these needs and others. In one embodiment, anapparatus for transporting a container, the apparatus includes a base, aretaining section, and a brace. The base has a first geometric shape ina first plane to support the container, where the container may be avase of flowers, a paint can, catering supplies, etc. The retainingsection has a second geometric shape in a second plane to retain thecontainer on the base. The brace mechanically couples the base to theretaining section. Such an apparatus may be mounted on transportingdevice (e.g., a vehicle, a dolly, etc.) to securely transport multipleitems efficiently and reliably. The items may be fragile containers,such as a vase, non-fragile containers such as a paint can, and/or anyother article that requires transporting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a mechanical diagram of an apparatus for transporting acontainer in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus for transporting a container ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a mechanical diagram of a retaining section of an apparatusfor transporting a container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a mechanical diagram of a container transporting system inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a mechanical diagram of an alternate container transportingsystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are mechanical diagrams of a primary support of thecontainer transporting system in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are mechanical diagrams of a support channel of thecontainer transporting system in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are mechanical diagrams of another primary support ofthe container transporting system in accordance with the presentinvention; and

FIG. 8 is a mechanical diagram of a multiple container transportingapparatus in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a mechanical diagram of container transporting apparatus 10that includes a base 12, a retaining section 14 and a brace 16 forholding a container 18. The base 12, the retaining section 14, and thebrace 16 may be constructed of the same material or different materials.Such materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum, plastic,fiberglass, wood, elastics, cloth, composites, and/or combinationsthereof. The container 18 may be any type of item including, but notlimited to, a vase, a paint can, a cup, a box, a jar, a bucket, abarrel, and tubing.

As shown, the base 12 has a geometric shape that supports the container18. The shape may be circular, square, rectangular, oval, or triangular.In a preferred embodiment, the geometric shape of the based 12corresponds to the axial (i.e., the bottom view) of the container 18.Thus, if the container 18 is round, the base 12 is round.

The retaining section 14 holds the container 18 in a relatively fixedposition with respect to the base 12. The shape of the retaining section14 corresponds to the shape of the container 18. As shown, the container18 is a cylinder and the retaining section 14, from a top perspective,is round. The retaining section 14 will be described in greater detailwith reference to FIG. 3.

The brace 16 mechanically couples the base 12 to the retaining section14. The mechanical coupling may be fixed by welding, glue, rivets,hardware, etc., between the brace 16 and the base 12 and between thebrace and retaining section 14. Alternatively, the mechanical couplingmay be adjustable. For example, the brace 16 may include a slot suchthat the mechanical coupling of the retaining section 14 to the brace 16may be vertically adjusted. Thus, if the height of the container 18changes, the retaining section 14 coupling to the brace 16 may beadjusted to position the retaining section 14 at an optimal position.Such adjustability allows the apparatus 10 to securely transport avariety of containers.

The container 18 may be the item in transport (e.g., a paint can,ladder, etc.) or the receptacle for the item in transport (e.g.,flowers, baked goods, etc.). Alternatively, the container 18 may be aflexible sleeve for receiving and holding an item for transport.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus 10 that includes the base 12, theretaining section 14, and the brace 16. The base 12 is shown to includea neck 22 and a stand 24. The stand 24 provides the platform on whichthe container 18 sits. The neck 22 provides the mechanical connectionbetween the stand 24 and the brace 16. As one of average skill in theart will appreciate, the neck 22 may be adjustable to enable theposition of the stand 24 to be adjusted in the first plane with respectto the brace 16.

The brace 16 is shown to include an adjustable mechanism 20, which maybe slot. The adjustable mechanism 20 enables the retaining section 14 tobe adjusted in the second plane to better hold the container 18.

FIG. 3 is a mechanical diagram of an embodiment of the retaining section14 that includes a first section 30, a second section 32, and a tensionmechanism 34. The first and second sections 30 and 32 may be constructedof the same material or different materials. Such materials include, butare not limited to, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, wood, elastics,cloth, composites, and/or combinations thereof.

As shown, the first and second sections 30 and 32 have shapes thatcorrespond to the shape of the container 18. For instance, if thecontainer is a cylinder, the first and second sections have asemi-circular shape. If the container is box-like, the first and secondsections have a square and/or rectangular shape. As is also shown, thefirst and second sections 30 and 32 include flanges to connect to thetension mechanism 34, which may be a screw, a rubber band, a spring,and/or any other device that can provide tension between the first andsecond section 30 and 32 to hold the container 18.

The first and/or second section 30 and/or 32 may include padding on thisinside surface to provide cushioning of the container as it is held inplace. As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, there is avariety of ways in which the retaining section 14 may be implemented tohold the container 18. For instance, the second section 32 and thetension mechanism 34 may be replaced with an elastic strap coupled tothe first section 30, which is mounted to the brace. Further, the firstand second sections may be hinged together on one side with a clasp onthe other.

FIG. 4 is a mechanical diagram of a container transporting system 40that includes a support structure 42 and a plurality of containertransporting apparatus 10. The support structure 42 includes at leastone support channel and at least one primary support. In the embodimentof FIG. 4, two support channels 48 and two primary supports 44 and 46are illustrated.

In application, the support channels 48 are mechanically coupled to atransporting device (e.g., the inside wall of a van, a dolly, any typeof vehicle, etc.). The supporting structure 42, which will be describedin greater detail with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, may include asliding mechanism such that the plurality of container transportingapparatus 10 may be slide out for easy loading and then slide back intoplace of efficient and reliable transportation.

The primary supports 44 and 46, which will be described in greaterdetail with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 7A, and 7B, mount to the supportchannels 48 and provide a mechanical coupling to support the containertransport apparatus 10.

FIG. 4B is a mechanical diagram of a support panel that may be used asthe backplane for the container transporting system. In comparison toFIG. 4, the support panel of FIG. 4B would replace the primary supports46 and 48 and the support channels 42 and 49. As such, the containertransporting apparatus 10 would attach to the support panel, which, inturn, is mounted to the transporting device.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are mechanical diagrams of a primary support 44 and/or46 of the container transporting system 40. The primary support may beconstructed of any material, where each primary support may beconstructed of the same material or a different material. Such materialsinclude, but are not limited to, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, wood,elastics, cloth, composites, and/or combinations thereof. As shown inFIG. 5A, the primary support 44 or 46 includes a square tubularstructure with raised receptacles. The raised receptacles are spacedsuch that they may be slid on to the support channels and then securedthereto. FIG. 5B illustrates a top and side view of the primary support44 or 46.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are mechanical diagrams of a support channel 48 of thecontainer transporting system 40. The support channel 48 may beconstructed of any material, where each primary support may beconstructed of the same material or a different material. Such materialsinclude, but are not limited to, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, wood,elastics, cloth, composites, and/or combinations thereof. As shown inFIG. 6A, the support channel 48 includes a C-shaped structure withflanges. The flanges provide the tracking for the raised receptacles ofthe primary channel 44 or 46. FIG. 6B illustrates a top and side view ofthe support channel 48.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are mechanical diagrams of another primary support 44and/or 46 of the container transporting system 40. The primary supportmay be constructed of any material, where each primary support may beconstructed of the same material or a different material. Such materialsinclude, but are not limited to, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, wood,elastics, cloth, composites, and/or combinations thereof. As shown inFIG. 5A, the primary support 44 or 46 includes a square tubularstructure with mounting holes, which are used to mount the primarychannels to the support channels. FIG. 7B illustrates a top and sideview of the primary support 44 or 46.

FIG. 8 is a mechanical diagram of a multiple container transportingapparatus 60 that includes a base 12, the retaining section 14, and thebrace 16 (not shown). The retaining section 14 is of geometric shape tohold a multiple container receptacle 62. The multiple containerreceptacle 62 may be constructed of any material and includes aplurality of receptacles 64. Each receptacle may store a container forsecure transporting. The multiple container transporting apparatus maybe mounted in the system 40 of FIG. 40.

The preceding discussion has presented a container transportingapparatus and system incorporating such an apparatus. Such an apparatusenables efficient and reliable transportation of a variety of itemsincluding vases of flowers, baked goods, catering supplies, etc. As oneof average skill in the art will appreciate, other embodiments may bederived from the teachings of the present invention without deviatingfrom the scope of the claims.

1. An apparatus for transporting a container, the apparatus comprises: abase having a first geometric shape in a first plane to support thecontainer; retaining section having a second geometric shape in a secondplane to retain the container on the base; and brace mechanicallycoupling the base to the retaining section.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first plane is substantially perpendicular to second plane.3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the brace further comprises anadjustable mechanical coupling to adjust distance between the base andthe retaining section.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the basefurther comprises a neck and a stand, wherein the stand provides thesupport for the container and the neck provides the mechanical couplingbetween the stand and the brace.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe first geometric shape further comprises at least one of: round,oval, square, and rectangular.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theretaining section further comprises: a first section having a shapecorresponding to a portion of the second geometric shape; a secondsection having a shape corresponding to a second portion of the secondgeometric shape; and tension mechanism providing a loaded mechanicalcoupling between the first and second sections to axial clasp thecontainer.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second geometricshape corresponding to a radial shape of the container.
 8. The apparatusof claim 7, wherein the retaining section further comprises a securingmechanism to clamp the container within the retaining section.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the securing mechanism further comprisesat least one of: screws, clamps, elastic bands, and compressiblepadding.
 10. A system for transporting a plurality of containers, thesystem comprises: a plurality of transporting apparatuses fortransporting the plurality of containers; and support structure thatsupports the plurality of transporting apparatuses and mounts to atransporting device.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein thetransporting device comprises at least one of a vehicle and a dolly. 12.The system of claim 10, wherein the support structure further comprises:a first primary support mechanically mountable to the transportingdevice; a second primary support mechanically mountable to thetransporting device; at least one support channel mechanically coupledto the first and second primary supports, wherein the at least onesupport channel includes a plurality of mounting attachments formechanically supporting the plurality of transporting apparatuses. 13.The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one support channel furthercomprises: a first support channel; and a second support channel,wherein the first and second support channels are mechanically coupledto the first and second primary supports and each include the pluralityof mounting attachments for mechanically supporting the plurality oftransporting apparatuses.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the atleast one support channel further comprises: gliding mechanism to glideacross the first and second primary supports.
 15. The system of claim10, wherein each of the plurality of transporting apparatuses furthercomprises: a base having a first geometric shape in a first plane tosupport the container; retaining section having a second geometric shapein a second plane to retain the fragile contain on the base; and bracemechanically coupling the base to the retaining section.
 16. Anapparatus for transporting a plurality of containers, the apparatuscomprises: a base having a first geometric shape in a first plane tosupport a multiple container receptacle that contains the plurality ofcontainers; retaining section having a second geometric shape in asecond plane to retain the multiple container receptacle on the base;and brace mechanically coupling the base to the retaining section. 17.The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the brace further comprises anadjustable mechanical coupling to adjust distance between the base andthe retaining section.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the basefurther comprises a neck and a stand, wherein the stand provides thesupport for the multiple container receptacle and the neck provides themechanical coupling between the stand and the brace.
 19. The apparatusof claim 16, wherein the retaining section further comprises: a firstsection having a shape corresponding to a portion of the secondgeometric shape; a second section having a shape corresponding to asecond portion of the second geometric shape; and tension mechanismproviding a loaded mechanical coupling between the first and secondsections to axial clasp the multiple container receptacle.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 16, wherein the second geometric shape correspondingto a radial shape of the multiple container receptacle.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 20, wherein the retaining section further comprises asecuring mechanism to clamp the multiple container receptacle within theretaining section.
 22. A system for transporting a plurality ofcontainers, the system comprises: a plurality of transportingapparatuses for transporting a plurality of multiple containerreceptacles, wherein each of the plurality of multiple containerreceptacles contains a portion of the plurality of containers; andsupport structure that supports the plurality of transportingapparatuses and mounts to a transporting device.
 23. The system of claim22, wherein the transporting device comprises at least one of a vehicleand a dolly.
 24. The system of claim 22, wherein the support structurefurther comprises: a first primary support mechanically mountable to thetransporting device; a second primary support mechanically mountable tothe transporting device; at least one support channel mechanicallycoupled to the first and second primary supports, wherein the at leastone support channel includes a plurality of mounting attachments formechanically supporting the plurality of transporting apparatuses. 25.The system of claim 24, wherein the at least one support channel furthercomprises: a first support channel; and a second support channel,wherein the first and second support channels are mechanically coupledto the first and second primary supports and each include the pluralityof mounting attachments for mechanically supporting the plurality oftransporting apparatuses.
 26. The system of claim 24, wherein the atleast one support channel further comprises: gliding mechanism to glideacross the first and second primary supports.
 27. The system of claim22, wherein each of the plurality of transporting apparatuses furthercomprises: a base having a first geometric shape in a first plane tosupport a multiple container receptacle that contains the plurality ofcontainers; retaining section having a second geometric shape in asecond plane to retain the non-fragile contain on the base; and bracemechanically coupling the base to the retaining section.
 28. Anapparatus for carrying a vase of flowers, the apparatus comprises: abase having a first geometric shape in a first plane to support the vaseof flowers; retaining section having a second geometric shape in asecond plane to retain the vase of flowers on the base; and bracemechanically coupling the base to the retaining section.
 29. Theapparatus of claim 28, wherein the brace further comprises an adjustablemechanical coupling to adjust distance between the base and theretaining section.
 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the basefurther comprises a neck and a stand, wherein the stand provides thesupport for the container and the neck provides the mechanical couplingbetween the stand and the brace.
 31. The apparatus of claim 28, whereinthe retaining section further comprises: a first section having a shapecorresponding to a portion of the second geometric shape; a secondsection having a shape corresponding to a second portion of the secondgeometric shape; and tension mechanism providing a loaded mechanicalcoupling between the first and second sections to axial clasp the vaseof flowers.
 32. A system for transporting a plurality of vase offlowers, the system comprises: a plurality of transporting apparatusesfor transporting the plurality of vase of flowers; and support structurethat supports the plurality of transporting apparatuses and mounts to atransporting device.
 33. The system of claim 32, wherein thetransporting device comprises at least one of a vehicle and a dolly. 34.The system of claim 32, wherein the support structure further comprises:a first primary support mechanically mountable to the transportingdevice; a second primary support mechanically mountable to thetransporting device; at least one support channel mechanically coupledto the first and second primary supports, wherein the at least onesupport channel includes a plurality of mounting attachments formechanically supporting the plurality of transporting apparatuses. 35.The system of claim 34, wherein the at least one support channel furthercomprises: a first support channel; and a second support channel,wherein the first and second support channels are mechanically coupledto the first and second primary supports and each include the pluralityof mounting attachments for mechanically supporting the plurality oftransporting apparatuses.
 36. The system of claim 32, wherein the atleast one support channel further comprises: gliding mechanism to glideacross the first and second primary supports.
 37. The system of claim32, wherein each of the plurality of transporting apparatuses furthercomprises: a base having a first geometric shape in a first plane tosupport the vase of flowers; retaining section having a second geometricshape in a second plane to retain the vase of flowers on the base; andbrace mechanically coupling the base to the retaining section.